According to AS via Sport Witness, Tottenham are ‘very interested’ in Mateo Kovacic. Real Madrid will reportedly ‘listen to offers’ for the central midfielder whom they’re aware has no desire in returning to the club after his loan spell with Chelsea finishes.

Kovacic is due to spend the campaign at Stamford Bridge, but his loan move didn’t come with a buying option so Tottenham and others can procure his signature next summer. Chelsea lead for the race for the Croatian international as he’s spending the season in London, however.

Tottenham could be losing Mousa Dembele at the end of the season, with the Belgian out of contract and unlikely to extend his stay, and Kovacic could his replacement. The 24-year-old is a box-to-box player with combative qualities. He provides physicality to the midfield, will offer some protection to the backline and is comfortable in possession.

The midfielder’s attributes would certainly appeal to Mauricio Pochettino, but his asking price could be lofty. Kovacic still has three years left on his deal and a release clause of £267m so Real hold all the cards. CIES value the Croatian international at £40m, but time will tell if Tottenham are willing to pay that fee to bring Kovacic to new White Hart Lane.